5 Tips for Going Green at College

Dorm life can be crazy. Between studying, parties, crazy roommates, working, and everything in between, it's no wonder that green living gets put on the back burner. However, there are simple things that you can do in order to ensure that you do your part by going green in college.

How to Go Green at College Tip #1: Organic sheets.

You may not be in your dorm room very often because of studies, parties, and other activities, but you will undoubtedly use your bed. Whether you actually get some sleep at night or are getting by by napping in between classes, your bed is paramount when it comes to college life. For this reason, you should make sure that you use organic cotton sheets. That is to say, the cotton that was used to make the sheets was not exposed to any harmful chemicals that could affect your body.

How to Go Green at College Tip #2: Use green cleaning supplies.

College kids may not be the cleanest, but hopefully you get around to cleaning your dorm every once in a while. When cleaning day does come around, try using green cleaning products in order to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. This is particularly important in dorms because they are usually cramped spaces with limited windows (if any at all), meaning the fumes from conventional cleaning supplies have nowhere to go.

How to Go Green at College Tip #3: Get involved.

If you are particularly passionate about green issues inquire about programs and clubs that pertain to socially conscious living. If need be, see if you can set up recycling programs in your dorms or organize organic gardening events. The possibilities are endless.

How to Go Green at College Tip #4: Use a laptop for class notes.

Instead of wasting paper, invest in a laptop for taking class notes. Many operating systems now have programs to ensure that all of your class notes stay organized so that you can easily search for what you need.

How to Go Green at College Tip #5: Cook your own food.

School cafeterias are infamous for serving terrible food that can harm you, and college cafeterias are no exception. Cafeterias are also a hot spot for food waste. Instead of paying a ridiculous amount of money for a meal plan try cooking your meals in your dorms. All you really need is a portable hot plate and you can make delicious and healthy meals from anywhere. Take it a step further by shopping at local farmers markets for the freshest ingredients.

Going green at college doesn't have to be an odyssey. By taking some simple steps, even the smallest efforts can have a massive positive impact on the environment.

Sources:
The Daily Green - Going Green at College
Eating Locally at College
The Greenest Colleges and Universities